Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies
Postgraduate coursework (AQF Level 8)
Take the first step toward your new career in psychology.
If you’ve completed a degree already and are thinking about a career in psychology, our graduate diploma is ideal for you. The course is nationally recognised, and designed to help get you qualified for provisional registration with AHPRA as soon as possible.
Duration: 2 years full time or part-time equivalent
Study Mode: Hybrid/Face to Face
Study Load: Full time, Part time
Next Intake: Semester 1, March 2026
Fees: Year 1: $20,408, Year 2: $28,800 (Total $49,280)*
*2025 Rates, Subject to education price index increase
FEE HELP available for eligible students
Conditionally Accredited:
By the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Potential Career Outcomes:
Provisional Psychologist, Human Resource Manager, Counsellor, People and Culture, Marketing
Study Locations:
ISN Psychology Ivanhoe Campus, Melbourne and Online
Course Overview
If you are looking to expedite a career change, or become an expert in human behaviour, or both, ISN’s Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies is an ideal place to start.
Our unique two year graduate course bridges the equivalent of undergraduate and honours study in one course, making you eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist.
Over the course duration you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of psychology and how you can apply this knowledge to various industries as well as everyday life.
Our Graduate Diploma equips you with an AQF level 8 (Australian Qualifications Framework) qualification that clearly demonstrates your advanced knowledge and specialised skills in psychology.
On completion you will be well prepared for our Level 3 and 4 courses that provide a pathway to general registration as a psychologist:
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Master of Professional Psychology
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Master of Psychology (Clinical)
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Master of Psychology (Sport & Exercise)
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Doctor of Psychology (Sport & Exercise, Clinical)
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APAC Pathway
APAC Pathway
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Our course offers the equivalent of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved 4 year psychology sequence, equipping you with a Level 1 and 2 qualification that fast-tracks your preparation for the Level 3 and 4 qualifications you will need to complete in order to become a practicing psychologist.
This differs from some other graduate diplomas that require you to complete further honours-level qualification prior to achieving the qualifications needed for provisional registration, the first major milestone on your journey to full registration.
For more information about APAC Pathways visit their website here
Course Structure
Our Graduate Diploma consists of 200 credit points evenly distributed over 2 years:
1st Year:
covers 8 core units in the foundations of psychology
2nd Year:
moves onto 6 core units equipping you with pre-professional competencies including completing a research thesis worth 50 credits
Our learning outcomes are consistent with an AQF Level 8 qualification particularly in relation to research methods and communication skills.
or, attend our information session:
Thursday, 14th of August
"We understand that for many, a Graduate Diploma is the first step to becoming a qualified psychologist and that the pathway to registration can be daunting. That’s why we designed our course to combine the foundational and pre-professional competencies required to achieve provisional registration.
We also recognise that for many making this move, flexible delivery is key to balancing work and study during the transition, which is why we have invested in world class technology to help students get the most out of our online learning environment.
As Dean, alongside our amazing team of academics, I look forward to welcoming you to ISN and helping you get your career in psychology off to the right start."
Professor Kathryn Nicholson Perry,
Dean of Psychology
ISN Psychology acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands where we work and learn, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.